Guide To Choosing The Right Dog Playpen For Your Pet

If you have dogs at home, then you know how hard and frustrating it can be sometimes to control them and keep them in line. This is especially true if you just moved to another house or if you just procured another dog to add to what you currently have. As you should already be aware by now, there are dogs that can’t quite accept it when a new pet is added to the family. They may start acting up to show their displeasure. Or worse, they might attack the new dog and engage it in a nasty fight. In these instances, it’s highly recommended that you get a dog playpen to separate the new dog from the others at least for some time. This will give them an ample amount of time to get used to each other. This also gives you a chance to train them and teach them to live peacefully with each other.

However, the most common reason why pet owners get a dog playpen is to create an enclosed space where their dogs can play and exercise safely. Dogs playing inside a house can cause a lot of mess like broken vases, torn curtains, and furniture falling all over the place. If you have dogs that are still teething, they might bite into your leather sofa and cause irreparable damage. If you also live in a neighborhood where most of your neighbors have dogs of various breeds, it can be very dangerous to let your dogs play by themselves outside. Most playpens today can be used either inside or outside of the house. If the pen is sturdy enough, you can place it in your yard and be assured that other dogs can’t get to your pet even if they try. There are also some models of playpens that can accommodate more than two dogs.

5 Things You Should Consider Before Buying A Dog Playpen

Are you going to use it inside or outside the house?

Some models of playpens are perfect for outdoor use but can be very inconvenient if used inside of the house. For example, it wouldn’t be a great idea to use a wooden dog playpen outside because when exposed to rain, heat, and other elements, the pen would break down easily. It would be a better idea to use pens that are made from more durable materials like hard plastic and metal. These can withstand the assault of the natural elements. Another advantage of plastic and metal-based pens is that you can leave them there in your yard even when they are not in use. There’s no need for you to keep on bringing the pens inside the house. There are pens that can be used both indoors and outdoors. Choose these if you want to save on money.

Is it for one dog or are you going to use it for several dogs?

Dog playpens come in various sizes. Some can accommodate just a single dog while others can accommodate up to five dogs. If you have puppies then you should avail of a puppies playpen. Another important thing you should consider is the height of the pen. Keep in mind that most breeds of dogs are good jumpers. Some can jump over fences that are about three times their height. If you have a large-sized dog, it’s obvious that you should get a playpen with a height that would be impossible for the dog to jump over. This can be tricky because if you choose a pen with high sides, you might have no other choice but to place the pen outside as it can be very cumbersome when stationed inside the house. However, this wouldn’t be a problem if you get a pen that has a cover.

The breed of your dog

All breeds of dogs have their own unique traits and preferences. They come in different sizes. Some don’t like being caged while some don’t mind being placed in an enclosed space. Dogs often present human-like attributes. For example, if they are placed in a pen for long periods of time, they might get depressed. They’ll start acting up to the point that they might refuse to eat or drink. There are several breeds of dogs that are known for this type of behavior. Therefore, it’s important that you determine first if your dog belongs to a breed that doesn’t bode well when it comes to pens and cages. But there’s always the likelihood that you can train them to be comfortable when placed inside a dog playpen.

Fixed or flexible playpens?

A fixed dog playpen is one that comes in just one size. This means that its design features are fixed and you can’t change them. Fixed playpens are usually manufactured for single dogs. On the other hand, a flexible playpen is one that you can customize based on your preferences. You can even expand it so that it will be able to accommodate more dogs. This is why they are designed in an assembly format. Usually, you will get panels which you connect together to form the pen’s walls. If you want the pen to be bigger, you simply add more panels to increase the length and width of the walls. Majority of flexible playpens are made of steel wire because this material is lightweight and can be easily connected with each other using simple latches or bolts.

Accessories that come with the playpen

It would be nice to have accessories that accompany the dog playpen that you buy. For example, some manufacturers provide extra panels as some sort of a backup for their customers. Others have gimmicks like throwing in dog toys, dog food, and even books about dogs in the package. These are really good perks that you should take advantage of should you come across them. If there’s one thing that you should look for when buying a playpen (especially if it’s a flexible one), it’s the guide on how to assemble the pen. It can be a bit difficult to correctly assemble a pen using several panels without a guide.

Now that you know the things that you should be considering when purchasing a dog playpen, let’s take a look now into the models and brands that build some of the best playpens in the market today. You can use this simple recommendation list as your guide in choosing the most appropriate pen for your dog. You have to always keep in mind though that your choice depends on the factors that we have discussed above. So let’s get to it, shall we?

Iris Indoor And Outdoor Plastic Pet Pen

If you are looking for a safe and convenient enclosure for your beloved dogs, this should be your top choice. The great thing about this pen is that you can use it both outdoors and indoors. It’s made of hard plastic which makes it very beneficial for several reasons. Plastic is very durable and it can withstand the onslaught of rain or snow. You can place it at your exposed porch without worrying that it’ll get damaged. It’s also very light which means you can carry it around with ease. And last but not the least, it’s a flexible and customizable pen. The regular version has four panels but if you want to expand it, you can use an additional four panels to double the size of the enclosure. It’s a great pen for boarding a dog. The only drawback of this pen is that you need to buy the mesh roof separately.

Mid West Exercise Pen

If you love to play with dogs while they are inside an open-roofed enclosure, this exercise pen makes for a great choice. The first thing you’ll notice with this pen is it’s simple and circular design. It’s a pet crate with the top open. Setting up the pen is very easy and you’re not going to need any tools to do so. Simply lay it out on the ground, connect the two ends, stand it up and you are good to go. It can also be used both outside and inside because the wires have been encased with a coating that prevents corrosion and rusting. It comes with several ground anchors which you can use to secure the dog playpen to the ground. The pen comes in five different heights – 24 inches, 30 inches, 36 inches, 42 inches, and 48 inches. This means it’s appropriate for all sizes of dogs.

BestPet Heavy Duty Pet Playpen

This is one of the most durable dog playpens in the market today. It stands 40 inches high which makes it perfect for all types and sizes of dogs. One of its greatest features is the fact that you can divide the pen into two separate pens. Each panel can be removed from the main frame. Since the whole frame is composed of eight panels, you can remove four panels to create a new pen. This can come in handy if you have two dogs that you need to separate from each other. You can also form the pen into different shapes. It can be circular, rectangular, or octagonal. And since the panels can be folded against each other, taking down and storing the pen isn’t too difficult. Each of the panels are secured to each other by long pins. Just remove the pins then stack the panels on top of each other.

My1stPet 8 Panels Metal Exercise Dog Playpen

This model is a bit more complicated compared to other playpens but it’s a good investment. It’s an excellent option for people who have several dogs at home. It has strong steel panels that can be connected to each other with long metal pins. When secured to the ground or floor, the pen can withstand even the strongest dogs. It has a hinged door which makes it very easy to lead dogs in and out of the pen. It’s the most appropriate exercise pen for your best home dogs. Another unique feature of this dog playpen is that you can assemble it in several ways. You can form an enclosure that can be square-shaped, rectangular, or circular. You can even connect it to other playpens that have the same assembly features.

Yescom Two-Door Waterproof Pet Playpen And Tent

This is a good option for people who want to give their pets the most comfortable playtime. This pen is made of oxford cloth so you are assured that your pets will always be safe in there. The pen doesn’t have any hard areas that may cause bumps or concussions to your fragile pets. It’s also portable because you can fold it down and stuff it into its own carrying bag. This makes it perfect for people who travel with their dogs in tow. The biggest drawback of this pen is that it can be hard cleaning it especially if you have dogs that aren’t trained to not defecate or urinate in their playpens. Other than that, this pen is a must-have for pet owners who are constantly on the move.

Carlson Convertible Pet Yard

There’s a reason why this is a popular choice among pet owners who have a dog or two. It’s simple, it’s durable, and it’s easy to store away. You can set it up inside your house in just mere seconds. You can also configure it to contain your pets in a room or in any section of the house. You can do this by using the convertible pen as blockade on a door. It has a latch which people can use to pass through.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to choosing which dog playpen is most appropriate for your pet, you just have to consider the several factors we discussed in the first half of this guide. You need to choose which pen is the most convenient for you and your dog. And when it comes to the particular models and brands that are worthy of your investment, let the six pens we discussed above serve as your starting point in finding what’s best for your dog.

Let puppies have a blast in their own Puppy Playpen

Puppies need frequent exercise. Being able to play and run can be quite beneficial to their life. But we all know that a new puppy can bring lots of joy and also trouble at the same time. This is where a puppy playpen comes in handy. Some people have the misconception that putting your puppy in a playpen is a form of imprisonment. However, this is not the case as the pen offers plenty of freedom. It also proves to be much safer than letting your puppy roam freely in the backyard. Currently, it is among the most recommended products by veterinarians when it comes to healthy puppy training.

Why you need a puppy playpen

There are several advantages associated with owning and using a puppy playpen. Lets look at some of the most notable ones that have made it a popular choice among pet owners.

Just like a dog crate, a puppy playpen is an excellent choice when it comes to simplifying and speeding up house training. It allows you to always have close proximity to your puppy for effective monitoring.

The lightweight and portable nature of a playpen means that you can exercise and train your puppy from virtually anywhere. This makes it a perfect choice for pet owners who are constantly on the move.

A playpen is quite safer than letting the puppy roam the backyard. It is more hygienic and keeps your puppy safe from possible environmental contaminants that may lead to diseases.

A playpen has the advantage of easy customization. You can incorporate a bed, automatic feeder, toys and virtually any basic requirement needed for a healthy and happy pet. Puppy playpens are designed in a way that allows them to be linked to each other to create one large enclosure ideal for crate training.

Puppies are quite playful and can sometimes get out of control. A playpen is one handy equipment that will help keep them from mischief by proving controlled movement. This makes them quite beneficial particularly when you have guests around the house.

Besides serving as a regular play area for your puppy, a playpen also offers excellent shelter that protects your puppy from the elements, especially when placed outdoors.

A puppy playpen is much easier to store. The paneled design allows it to be folded to a compact size that requires only a minimal storage space.

Choosing the best puppy playpen

Finding the best playpen for your puppy can be quite a daunting task. There are several playpens on the market which boast of superior quality. However, most of them are not actually as competent as advertised. In making the right selection, you should first understand your needs whether you require it for just a single or several puppies. Having determined that, you can proceed to carry out a research on the market so as to know the available brands. You need to consider top manufacturers known for their exceptional quality and excellence of service. Lastly, you will need to consider the price as this will ensure that you get the perfect puppy playpen that meets your budget. However, the most effective way would be to look at user reviews, which are widely available on line. From these, you can be able to tell which is the best playpen based on user testimonials.

Top 10 recommended puppy playpens

It is the desire of every puppy owner to get that ideal puppy playpen that will make their pet happy and also offer the convenience of being able to easily move around with them. We are here to satisfy that desire by outlining the best puppy playpens that will work great for you and your pet.

IRIS Indoor & Outdoor Plastic Pen

This puppy playpen is designed for indoor as well as outdoor use. The playpen incorporates a 4-panel construction made of commercial grade plastic. This makes it durable enough to service you for years. The panels feature an interlocking mechanism that makes them much easier to connect to each other. They are secured together with slid-in rods. When fully assembled, the pen incorporates an overall dimension of 23.6 x 35.2 x 35.2 inches. It weighs at only 12.7 pounds that makes it light enough for travel. The pen comes with a double-latch door that offers easy access. You have the option of incorporating a mesh roof for maximum security.

PET4FUN® PN935 35″ Portable Pet Puppy Dog Cat Animal Playpen

This puppy playpen features a tough steel frame. Its heavy duty construction and durable design makes it an excellent choice for rambunctious pets. The playpen measures 35 x 14.6 inches. It incorporates an 8-panel construction with each measuring 14.6 x 14.6 inches. The frame is enclosed in a heavy gauge mesh cover fabric. It provides better shade and maximum airflow. There are 2 built-in pockets that provide convenient storage of toys, snacks and other essentials. It has 2-zippered doors for easy access. The pen features easy tool-free assembly that only takes a few minutes to accomplish. It is meant for indoor as well as outdoor use. It comes with a carry bag for easy storage and transportation.

ESK COLLECTION Blue 45″ Pet Puppy Playpen

ESK COLLECTION Puppy Playpen offers you the convenience of a space-saving design. This enables it to fit perfectly in congested places or small apartments. It has in a circular design measuring 45 inches wide with a height of 25 inches. The playpen comprises of 8 panels that are much easier to set up. The panels are covered in a 600D fabric. It is highly durable and features a mesh design that renders it more breathable. The fabric is 100-percent washable for hassle-free maintenance. It features a zippered top and bottom that prevent any possible escape. There are two doors that are zippered for enhanced security. The bottom of the playpen features a waterproof cover that allows your pet to remain dry.

MidWest Exercise Pen

MidWest Exercise Puppy Playpen comes in a sturdy construction. It is fabricated from steel and coated with powder to provide maximum protection from rust and corrosion. This makes it an ideal choice for use indoors and outdoors. The pen incorporates a paneled construction that consists of 8 panels. Each comes in a square-shaped design of 24 x 24 inches. They are easy to put together without the need of any specialized tools. The panels form a large enclosure that is spacious enough for free movement. This playpen does not feature a built-in door. Instead, it comes with anchors that allow it to be secured on the ground and easily lifted up when needed so as to set your pet free. It is lightweight and can easily fold for compact storage and transportation. The pen is specially designed for pets that weigh up to 25 pounds.

2 Door Pet Cage with ABS Pan

This is a versatile puppy playpen that can be used for training or as a kennel. It incorporates an 8-panel construction made of steel wires. The panels feature a dimension of 24 x 24 inches each. They feature hassle-free set up and can be taken down in less than one minute. Once fully assembled, the pen weighs at 12 pounds. This renders it lightweight enough for easy transportation. Unlike most conventional models, the steel wires are coated with a specialized powder that provides maximum durability and excellent protection from corrosion and rust. This allows the playpen to safely withstand the harsh outdoor elements. The playpen incorporates 2 built-in doors. It comes with an ABS pan for added convenience.

Metal Wire Playpen, all sizes, all colors

This puppy playpen has been in the limelight as one of the best models that the market has to offer. It is widely loved for its unrivaled durability and sturdy design. Like most playpens, it features a panel construction comprising of 8 panels in total. The panels have a size of 24 x 24 inches. They easily link to each other to create a large enclosure for a perfect training ground. The panels comes in a wire-grid design. The grids are quite small measuring 1-1/2 x 4-7/8 inches. This eliminates any possible escape while allowing for better airflow and enhanced visibility. The panels incorporate smooth, rounded edges for enhanced safety and comfort. The wires are coated with zinc that makes them resilient to rusting and corrosion. This playpen can be used within the house or outside.

Best Choice Products Pet Puppy Playpen

The versatility of this playpen is quite unmatched. It can easily double as an ordinary kennel. The pen is reinforced with a series of 8 panels made of powder-coated steel to guarantee maximum strength and durability. It is among the lightest that the market has to offer. This playpen weighs a mere 5 pounds that makes it portable enough for travel. The playpen is spacious, measuring 45 inches in diameter with a height of 24 inches. It is covered in a 600D cloth material that incorporates excellent waterproofing qualities to keep the playpen dry. There is a mesh cover and a screen that offer better airflow and enhanced visibility. There are 2 side pockets that provide convenient storage and easy access to pet supplies. The playpen includes a pad that measures 43.5 inches to provide a comfortable exercising and resting platform. The pen comes with a case for easy storage and transportation.

Oxgord Dog Animal Playpen Large Metal Wire Folding

This is a redesigned model that features great improvement both in design and quality. It features 8 panels made of metal wire. The wires are coated for maximum longevity and strength. They are interconnected to form a grid pattern that makes it quite difficult for your puppy to break through. This pen is safe for use within the house and outdoor. It is one of the largest, measuring 64 inches wide. This renders it spacious enough to accommodate 2 puppies. The playpen features a built-in latch door for extra security and easy access. It is much easier to set up or take down. The pen can collapse to a compact size for convenient storage and transportation. Despite its large size, it is lightweight enough for travel.

Prevue Pet Products Multi-Color Small Pet Playpen

This pen was constructed with a sense of style and elegance in mind. It features a multi-colored design that makes it visually appealing. The playpen is specially designed for small pets. It is constructed using 8 panels that measure 13 x 9 inches each. The panels are made of heavy duty metal that is well protected by a specialized powder coating to guarantee long-life use. The playpen measures 36 inches wide to provide enough play area. All construction materials are non-toxic for enhanced safety. The pen is remarkably lightweight and can fold to give you an easy time during storage and transportation.

Zeny® 8 Panel Portable Pet Tent Playpen

This puppy playpen is specially engineered for versatility, portability and enhanced comfort. It gets excellent ratings from pet owners across the world owing to its superior quality and durable construction. Its 8-panel design makes it quite hassle-free when it comes to set up. They easily connect to form one sturdy structure that is resilient to warping or bending. The pen incorporates a 600D cloth fabric that encloses it to provide excellent shelter from rain, direct sunlight and other outdoor elements. The fabric incorporates a screen and mesh design for improved ventilation and better visibility. The bottom is designed to be waterproof to keep the pet dry all day long. Storage pockets are sewn on the fabric so you can easily store and access pet supplies while on the go. The pen measures 45″ wide when fully assembled. It weighs at just 2 pounds for easy transportation.

Conclusion

A puppy playpen is the best way of welcoming a new puppy into the household. It provides the convenience of being able to keep a close eye on your puppy during training. With it, you have the luxury of being able to take your puppy with you during travel. It provides easy customization that renders puppy training great fun rather than a task to be dreaded. It actually does it well when it comes to maintaining the health and physique of your puppy-and it does it to perfection. If buying a versatile and effective puppy training equipment is important to you, then you may be a good match for a puppy playpen. And you don’t have to spend so much as they are available in consumer-friendly prices that will not put a dent in your budget.